Singapore must be consistent on East Sea issue: PM
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated on August 21 that the country must have its own principles and a consistent stand on the East Sea issue despite pressure from other countries.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Source: asiancorrespondent.com)
Singapore (VNA) – Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hs✃ien Loong has stated in his National Day Rally speech on August 21 that the country must have its own principles and a consistent stand on the East Sea issue despite pressure from other countries.
According to the PM, although Singapore does not claim any of the East Sea, the sea is one of the two vital arteries linking the country to the world.
It is important to Singapore that disputes in the sea do not affect freedom of navigation and overflight, PM Lee said.
Singapore must support and strive for a rule-based international order, he said.
“If rules do not matter, then small countries like Singapore have no chance of survival,” he added.-VNA
Philippine Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay on August 11 called on China to respect maritime law and security as well as the rule of law to resolve disputes in both the East Sea and the East China Sea.
Vietnam has gained significant outcomes in the exploitation, management and conservation of marine resources over the past few years, an official has said.
A seminar was held in Hanoi on August 16, focusing on dissecting the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the Philippines’s lawsuit against China’s claims in the East Sea.
Participants at an international workshop in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, once again underscored the necessity of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Source: asiancorrespondent.com)
